I woke with no difficulty to the light of day. Turning round, I noticed Daniel still asleep. As he was facing me, I could see his long eyelashes and his soft hair flattened on his forehead. The warmth of his body kept me from feeling cold as I watched fog roll over the city. Realising that he was slightly shivering, I pulled the duvet up over his shoulders. Then I realised that I still had an hour before I had to get up. Remembering that I had left the thriller written by Daniel in the drawer of my bedside table, I gently turned round to open it and take it out. I had loved the beginning of the novel. It was so captivating. I'd been complimenting him all day when I'd started his first novel. The characters were also very thought out. We'd had many conversations over the chapters I'd read.

After an hour of reading, Daniel's alarm went off. Seeing that he was beginning to flutter his eyelids, I leaned over him to stop the unbearable noise. He smiled, opening only one eye. His dimples stood out as he greeted me. I put my book back on the bedside table and slipped under the duvet with him.

My day at work passed quickly. I had finished an article on the marketing of novels around Christmas and had Sibylline's approval to send it to the publishing team. I put my computer away in my bag, then put on my jumper and coat. As I left the building, I nodded goodbye to Harold and wrapped my scarf around my neck before waiting for the bus. It only took me a couple of minutes to realise that I wasn't dressed appropriately for the winter weather. Remembering that I'd left Daniel's novel at his, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Determined to get on with it anyway without disturbing him, as he had to work in the office until late that day, I took the bus to the library, thinking that with a bit of luck I'd be able to find it there.

About twenty minutes later, I found myself in front of Claire, still at the library reception desk. She checked on me for several minutes, surprised that she hadn't seen me for so long, before a young man arrived to ask for some information. I took the opportunity to go to the book shelves and look for Daniel's novel. I located it in just two minutes. Hoping that the notes person had filled it with Post-its, I flipped through the pages, but was disappointed to find that there were none.

I picked it up before looking for a novel in which he might have left notes. As I surveyed the thriller aisle, I noticed a Mary Higgins Clark turned upside down: Second time around. I took it out to put it the other way around when a Post-it note fell out.

To the notes girl, I recommend you read this novel, which may seem boring at first but will end up giving you insomnia just to finish it.

Was it relief that I felt at the idea that this exchange via notes was continuing, or was it a feeling of infidelity towards Daniel for not having mentioned my attachment to the author of these notes? With a heavy heart, I decided to borrow the novel anyway. Claire scanned them before wishing me a good read.

When I got to my flat, I took a hot shower, put on my pyjamas and settled into my reading chair with my blanket over my legs. My first choice was to finish reading Daniel's novel. I was captivated by it and didn't stop until I was preparing my dinner just before midnight.

When I'd finished reading, despite my twentieth yawn, I sent Daniel a message telling him how much I'd loved his novel. The writing was fluid, the vocabulary rich and the characters well developed. In short, everything I loved about fiction. Looking at the clock, I was surprised to see that it was half past three in the morning. I put the book on the coffee table and went to brush my teeth. Just as I'd finished rinsing my face, I heard my phone ring. Not knowing who it could be at such an hour, I rushed to my mobile. Seeing that it was Daniel, I smiled. However, as I picked up, I was afraid I'd woken him up with my message.

— Did I wake you up?
— No I was working.

I turned off the lights in the living room and headed for my bedroom, where I crawled under the duvet.

— Are you still working?
— Yes, but don't worry, it's just to make sure we have all the evidence we need to charge Trevor with all the crimes he's committed.

I nodded, slightly anxious.

— Okay.
— Thank you  for your message by the way, it was really kind of you. But how could you continue reading if you left the novel at my place?
— I went to the library to get it.
— Oh right. I'm glad to know that you liked it that much! But why are you still awake?
— Well, because I've only just finished it.
— Oh wow! Aren't you too tired? You were up early too, Liz!
— Yes, but don't worry, I'm fine. Where are you now?
— I got home an hour ago.
— Okay, get some sleep, Daniel. You've got weeks, if not months, to work on all this.
— I think I'll go to sleep soon, yes. Besides, I don't have to go to work tomorrow.
— Oh, me neither.
— Would you like me to come and stay at yours?
— I was just about to invite you.
— I'll be there in a few minutes.
— Perfect, see you in a minute!